Valkenburg, September, 2005 Learning Units Design based in Grid Computing L. Iriarte, M. Marco, A....

Valkenburg, September, 2005

Learning Units Design Learning Units Design based in Grid based in Grid Computing Computing

L. Iriarte, M. Marco, A. L. Iriarte, M. Marco, A. Sánchez, D. Morón y P. PerníasSánchez, D. Morón y P. Pernías


External tools and Higher External tools and Higher EducationEducation

► In Higher Educatios, teachers In Higher Educatios, teachers frecuently uses external tools to frecuently uses external tools to accomplish their educational goals:accomplish their educational goals: Labs (viertual?)Labs (viertual?) Especial equipment (telescopes?)Especial equipment (telescopes?) …….. GRID ComputingGRID Computing


Grid computing as an Grid computing as an educational toolseducational tools

►We explore the posibilities of the grid We explore the posibilities of the grid computing as an educational tool computing as an educational tool but….but…. how to implement a re-usable way to how to implement a re-usable way to

describe this procedure? describe this procedure?

GRID COMPUTING as a Learning GRID COMPUTING as a Learning Object?Object?

GRID COMPUTING as a IMS-LD Learning GRID COMPUTING as a IMS-LD Learning ServiceService


Antecedents Antecedents

►Expansion and development of Expansion and development of Learning Objects paradigmLearning Objects paradigm. .

►Rapid development and use of IMS-LD Rapid development and use of IMS-LD specifications in learning structures specifications in learning structures design.design.

►Development of Grid Computing to Development of Grid Computing to solve complex learning problems.solve complex learning problems.


IMS-LD IMS-LD specificationsspecifications

They are the most widespread and used in the organization and They are the most widespread and used in the organization and design of learning structures. They originated from IMS Content design of learning structures. They originated from IMS Content Packaging (IMS-CP) and IMS Simple Sequencing Specification Packaging (IMS-CP) and IMS Simple Sequencing Specification (IMS-SS). The first permits to organize hierarchichal content (IMS-SS). The first permits to organize hierarchichal content structures and the second is based on IMS-CP and permits to structures and the second is based on IMS-CP and permits to define sequences of teaching activities and the conditions upon define sequences of teaching activities and the conditions upon which each should be done.which each should be done.

IMS-LD comprises the previous ones and incorporates the IMS-LD comprises the previous ones and incorporates the facilities for learning modelling from the Educational Modelling facilities for learning modelling from the Educational Modelling Language (EML) specifications developed by the Open University Language (EML) specifications developed by the Open University of Holland.of Holland.

These specifications permit the modelling of study units which These specifications permit the modelling of study units which can solve one or more teaching aims by using a language that can solve one or more teaching aims by using a language that defines “who does what”, “when and with What contents” a defines “who does what”, “when and with What contents” a specific aim can be accomplished.specific aim can be accomplished.

Many research projects have been developed which allow Many research projects have been developed which allow professors and students to use these specifications.professors and students to use these specifications.


Available and under development IMS-LD projectsAvailable and under development IMS-LD projects Taken fromTaken from https://www.unfold-project.net/general_resources_folder/tools/currenttools https://www.unfold-project.net/general_resources_folder/tools/currenttools

NameName ApplicApplic-ation-ation

TypeType OwnershipOwnership Release statusRelease status Specification Specification supportedsupported

PerotPerot Systems Systems NetherlandsNetherlands EduBox EduBox

PlayerPlayer General playerGeneral player ProprietaryProprietary EML running but not released.EML running but not released.Blackboard Blackboard versionversion in development in development

EML, being adapted to Learning EML, being adapted to Learning DesignDesign

Perot Systems NetherPerot Systems Netherlandslands LD Editor LD Editor

EditorEditor General purpose tree editorGeneral purpose tree editor ProprietaryProprietary Not releasedNot released EMLEML

AlfanetAlfanet LD Editor LD Editor EditorEditor General purpose tree editorGeneral purpose tree editor Open SourceOpen Source BetaBeta IMS-LD AIMS-LD A

GTK GTK PressPress Komposer Komposer EditorEditor General purpose tree editor, General purpose tree editor, linked to high level Word linked to high level Word based resource authoring.based resource authoring.

ProprietaryProprietary UnderUnder developmentdevelopment IMS-LD A IMS-LD A

RELOADRELOAD Have a look at the Have a look at the video demonstrationvideo demonstration! ! See also Bill Oliviers See also Bill Oliviers slides which include slides which include a description of the a description of the architecture and architecture and mock up of the mock up of the interfaceinterface

EditorEditor Close to specification, Close to specification, general purpose tree editor. general purpose tree editor.

Open SourceOpen Source Under development, scheduled for Under development, scheduled for autumn 2004autumn 2004

Under developmentUnder developmentIMS-LD, levels A, B and CIMS-LD, levels A, B and C

MotMot EditorEditor Distant from specification, Distant from specification, general purpose graphical general purpose graphical editoreditor

Work on LD compliance at an Work on LD compliance at an advanced stageadvanced stage

IMS-LD levels A, B and CIMS-LD levels A, B and C

eLiveeLive EditorEditor Distant from specification, Distant from specification, specialised editorspecialised editor

ProprietaryProprietary Under developmentUnder development IMS-LD levels A and BIMS-LD levels A and B

Eduplone Learning Eduplone Learning SequencerSequencer

Editor Editor and and playerplayer

Distant from specification, Distant from specification, specialised, editor, template specialised, editor, template based.based.

Open SourceOpen Source Eduplone 1.0 light released Eduplone 1.0 light released 2004-02-182004-02-18

IMS-LD level AIMS-LD level A

Coppercore Learning Coppercore Learning Design EngineDesign Engine

EngineEngine Core of Learning Design Core of Learning Design player player

Open SourceOpen Source Coppercore v1.0 released February Coppercore v1.0 released February 20042004

IMS-LD levels A, B and CIMS-LD levels A, B and C

SCOPE Learning SCOPE Learning Design libraryDesign library

LibrarLibraryy

Java libraryJava library Open SourceOpen Source Beta 1.0Beta 1.0 IMS-LD level AIMS-LD level A

The Learning Activity Management System LAMS should also be mentioned. This is an activity sequencer, inspired by IMS-LD, but it does not generate IMS Learning Design compliant code. It is valuable as an example of the kind of functionality and interface which a high level editor might offer. There are plans for making the system compliant, but no date for this has been announced. It s a proprietary application, though some parts may become open source.


The existing tools permit to The existing tools permit to design powerful and complex design powerful and complex learning structures taking into learning structures taking into account the cooperation among account the cooperation among students as well as systems students as well as systems interoperability.interoperability.


Structure of an IMS-LD documentStructure of an IMS-LD document


Comment about the graphComment about the graph► An IMS-LD based learning unit is composed of objectives, roles An IMS-LD based learning unit is composed of objectives, roles

(either students or professors), learning tasks organized through (either students or professors), learning tasks organized through different structures, which are composed of learning objects and different structures, which are composed of learning objects and necessary services in the teaching - learning process.necessary services in the teaching - learning process.

► An activity is based on a learning object or a service. Learning An activity is based on a learning object or a service. Learning objects are study units, exercises, practices, figures, documents objects are study units, exercises, practices, figures, documents that are catalogued according to a standard and which are that are catalogued according to a standard and which are available in applications’ local repositories or can be selected available in applications’ local repositories or can be selected from libraries in the internet.from libraries in the internet.

► Services are basically software products and applications as Services are basically software products and applications as Chat, email, as well as programs that support the learning Chat, email, as well as programs that support the learning process.process.

► They have three levels of implementation; level A defines the They have three levels of implementation; level A defines the vocabulary and the metadata necessary for the implementation. vocabulary and the metadata necessary for the implementation. Level B permits to associate properties and conditions for Level B permits to associate properties and conditions for carrying out the activities, and level C allows to implement carrying out the activities, and level C allows to implement notifications and messages among the components of the notifications and messages among the components of the learning unit.learning unit.


Grid ComputingGrid Computing► Grid computing has its origin in the area of Grid computing has its origin in the area of

distributed computing, in Meta-computing, in distributed computing, in Meta-computing, in particular; where geographically distributed particular; where geographically distributed computers are united in such a way that they can computers are united in such a way that they can be seen as an only one more powerful computer.be seen as an only one more powerful computer.

► Modern grids are scalable as they adopt web Modern grids are scalable as they adopt web technologies and standards like XML or web technologies and standards like XML or web service.service.

► During their evolution, computational grids and During their evolution, computational grids and data grids have developed. Computational grids data grids have developed. Computational grids organize and distribute computational resources organize and distribute computational resources (CPU, memory), and the data ones, are oriented (CPU, memory), and the data ones, are oriented towards manipulating “terabytes” or data towards manipulating “terabytes” or data “perabytes”.“perabytes”.


eLearning Grids eLearning Grids

eLearning Grids appear due to the need to eLearning Grids appear due to the need to integrate the potentialities of grids in the teaching integrate the potentialities of grids in the teaching system, where complex applications of high cost system, where complex applications of high cost were not present due to the lack of such were not present due to the lack of such technologies.technologies.

Victor Pankratius professor of Karlsruhe Victor Pankratius professor of Karlsruhe University, in Germany, has proposed an alternative University, in Germany, has proposed an alternative to use grid computing in elearning. This definition to use grid computing in elearning. This definition combines the potentialities of a traditional learning combines the potentialities of a traditional learning object with those of grid computing.object with those of grid computing.


Grid Learning ObjectGrid Learning Object ( (GLOB )GLOB )

The metadata contain the information that characterizes the grid.

The Reusable Information Object ( RIO ) contains the information necessary to reuse the grid; the contents in different formats, practices and tasks are part of it.

The RIO also contains the facilities of the grid implemented as Grid Service. The user can have access to these services through a user interface.

eLearning oriented grid applications are implemented in the Grid Application Layer . To accomplish that, Core Grid Middleware services are used.

http://www.aifb.uni-karlsruhe.de/BIK/vpa/pankratius_vossen_e-learninggrids.pdf


PProblemroblem

► As it can be seen, both paradigms develop As it can be seen, both paradigms develop rapidly and important steps are taken to rapidly and important steps are taken to approach grids to applications and approach grids to applications and development related to learning.development related to learning.


PProblemroblem► GLOB is an interface between a Learning Management GLOB is an interface between a Learning Management

System (LMS) and a Grid; which can be get into through System (LMS) and a Grid; which can be get into through a user interface. Nevertheless, as modern learning a user interface. Nevertheless, as modern learning environments are so complex, it is necessary to have a environments are so complex, it is necessary to have a better communication to know what is going on in the better communication to know what is going on in the grid to consider it in the learning process, as seen grid to consider it in the learning process, as seen below.below.

► It could be assumed that the Grid could only be It could be assumed that the Grid could only be activated with a Grid user interface from the learning activated with a Grid user interface from the learning unit through an IMS-LD resource element which permits unit through an IMS-LD resource element which permits to make references to applications and external tools; to make references to applications and external tools; but the coordination necessary with the other activities but the coordination necessary with the other activities and the roles within a learning environment could not and the roles within a learning environment could not be accomplished, as the Runtime Engine could not be accomplished, as the Runtime Engine could not know the results and its execution state to control the know the results and its execution state to control the learning process.learning process.


SoluSoluttions ions

Researchers at Valladolid University, Researchers at Valladolid University, in Spain, do research works to in Spain, do research works to strengthen the IMS-LD capacity to strengthen the IMS-LD capacity to create collaborative learning create collaborative learning environments.environments.

They have created a tool calledThey have created a tool called GRIDCOLE (*) GRIDCOLE (*) that makes possible to that makes possible to combinecombine IMS-LD IMS-LD andand G Gridsrids to obtain to obtain high collaboration levels.high collaboration levels.http://ulises.tel.uva.es/uploaded_files/52415_BoteJITEL05.pdf


OurOur Solu Solution tion In the Grid Application LayerIn the Grid Application Layer

►Our proposal is based on establishing Our proposal is based on establishing the relationship between an IMS-LDthe relationship between an IMS-LD and Grids through functions or and Grids through functions or services that are added in both GLOB services that are added in both GLOB and IMS Learning Design and IMS Learning Design EngineEngine, using , using the elements that make up the IMS-the elements that make up the IMS-LD. In this way, it is not necessary to LD. In this way, it is not necessary to modify the specifications.modify the specifications.


We consider that there is a LMS that has its own repository of learning objects that professors and students will use in the teaching learning process. The LMS permits to design IMS-LD based learning environments and it also has an IMS Learning Design Engine. Moreover, we consider that during the design process the professor requires a grid to solve a highly complex computational task or to present to the students the combination of the existing data in different computers or instruments that are in places unknown to the users.

It is very important that the Grid has adopted the structure of a Grid-enaBled Learning Object (GLOB)


► We propose to add to GLOB a new layer called We propose to add to GLOB a new layer called Runtime Interface Layer, which will establish Runtime Interface Layer, which will establish communication with the IMS Learning Design communication with the IMS Learning Design Engine. In this layer we include services to know Engine. In this layer we include services to know the status of the gridthe status of the grid and to obtain the results of its and to obtain the results of its execution.execution.

For example: The engine uses:For example: The engine uses: Start : Start : to initiate the Grid.to initiate the Grid. Status : Status : to know the functioning of the Gridto know the functioning of the Grid Result :Result : to know the results of its execution. to know the results of its execution.


Comments about the Comments about the Grid toGrid to understand the model proposedunderstand the model proposed

► In a Grid, there is an intermediary system) ( to make reference to In a Grid, there is an intermediary system) ( to make reference to the lower part of the graph ) that together with the subsystems the lower part of the graph ) that together with the subsystems that compose its architecture, manages the resources in the grid, that compose its architecture, manages the resources in the grid, which can be data resources or computational ones.which can be data resources or computational ones.

► In the data grids, the interaction with the metadata service is very In the data grids, the interaction with the metadata service is very important, which together with the metadata catalogue manages important, which together with the metadata catalogue manages the data using the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), the data using the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), very efficient in the management of distributed data.very efficient in the management of distributed data.

► In both types of grids, mechanisms of selection and management In both types of grids, mechanisms of selection and management of replicas are used to increase the efficiency in the management of replicas are used to increase the efficiency in the management and transference of the data, which can be independent files or a and transference of the data, which can be independent files or a system of files with a specific organization and structure.system of files with a specific organization and structure. ( to make ( to make reference to the lower part of the graph ) reference to the lower part of the graph )

► This type of organization offers great advantages to those LMS This type of organization offers great advantages to those LMS that require to manage information in many geographically that require to manage information in many geographically distributed repositories.It will be seen later in the example.distributed repositories.It will be seen later in the example.


We continue explaining the We continue explaining the modelmodel

•From the LMS we know the available Grids through the metadata that the GLOB has.•During the design of the IMS-LD learning structure, the professor should define a learning service which constitutes a facility or external resource that he wants to use in an activity as part of the learning unit. In IMS-LD specifications, many services as email are already defined aimed at making the IMS-LD Runtime Engine to have an easier configuration. In the case of a grid, it is necessary to transfer the required parameters to the Runtime, so that it can activate the grid. For that, we can use the global elements, Global Attribute class and the metadata that the Runtime Engine can access when the learning service is activated. (see book).• With the information that these elements have, the Runtime Engine creates a petition or query that is sent to the grid service “START” of the Runtime Application Layer, which activates the grid.•Once the grid starts , the IMS-LD Runtime Engine knows its execution state and the results obtained through GET_Status and GET_ Result services implemented in the Runtime Interface Layer of the GLOB. The execution state of the grid can be used by the IMS-LD Runtime Engine to manage notifications and parameters that are useful in the learning sequence that is being designed.


An example in its design phaseAn example in its design phase At present, there are different prototypes in their design phase which At present, there are different prototypes in their design phase which

will allow us to test the model proposed.will allow us to test the model proposed. A group of professors is designing learning structures that permit A group of professors is designing learning structures that permit

students to diagnose diseases from the analysis of the images and students to diagnose diseases from the analysis of the images and data given by professors. The images are in repositories placed in data given by professors. The images are in repositories placed in laboratories and clinics distributed all through the cuban universities laboratories and clinics distributed all through the cuban universities that create, daily, hundreds of images of different systems and that create, daily, hundreds of images of different systems and organs in various animal species. The images are selected and organs in various animal species. The images are selected and catalogued by researchers and professors who use the facilities of catalogued by researchers and professors who use the facilities of DSPACE for the management, distribution and search of metadata. DSPACE for the management, distribution and search of metadata. We use it as a bases to create a data grid that manages the images We use it as a bases to create a data grid that manages the images efficiently.efficiently.

► On the other hand, a computational grid is being designed to use the On the other hand, a computational grid is being designed to use the capacity of many computers that are distributed in different capacity of many computers that are distributed in different universities to process images and to obtain indicators used in the universities to process images and to obtain indicators used in the diagnosis processes that require great computing capacities.diagnosis processes that require great computing capacities.


A Learning Unit DesignA Learning Unit Design

The professor presents to the students a collection of images and some other data, so that they may diagnose a disease in an animal specie.

Each student analyzes the data and sends the images he considers to be processed. With the results obtained, he proposes a diagnosis to the professor for his evaluation.


ComCommmentent

► As you can see, it is a simple learning sequence which is easy to As you can see, it is a simple learning sequence which is easy to model through IMS-LD specifications; but if grids that permit to model through IMS-LD specifications; but if grids that permit to manage the search of images and their processing were not used, it manage the search of images and their processing were not used, it would not be possible to complete the process; if we consider that would not be possible to complete the process; if we consider that the execution of the grid conditions the sequences of professors and the execution of the grid conditions the sequences of professors and students. students.

► It is here where the adequate communication between the Runtime It is here where the adequate communication between the Runtime Engine and the grid is required so that it may know the results of its Engine and the grid is required so that it may know the results of its execution and influence in the flow of the learning process through execution and influence in the flow of the learning process through the facilities that the IMS-LD has to manage notifications, variables the facilities that the IMS-LD has to manage notifications, variables and conditional structures.and conditional structures.

► To design this structure, we will use the tool COMALO that we have To design this structure, we will use the tool COMALO that we have created and we will modify the CopperCore IMS-LD Engine to make created and we will modify the CopperCore IMS-LD Engine to make both grids communicate each other; where the functions that make both grids communicate each other; where the functions that make up the Grid Runtime Layer will be implemented through web up the Grid Runtime Layer will be implemented through web services.services.


ConclusionsConclusions ► We have presented some alternatives that make possible the We have presented some alternatives that make possible the

interrelationship between grid technology and learning structures based interrelationship between grid technology and learning structures based on IMS Learning Design specifications, obtaining that they have the on IMS Learning Design specifications, obtaining that they have the possibility to include big volumes of information and to use tools that possibility to include big volumes of information and to use tools that require great computing capacityrequire great computing capacity,,important elements to solve highly important elements to solve highly complex problems that sometimes are not present in the teaching complex problems that sometimes are not present in the teaching processes due to the lack of such tecnologies that optimize the use and processes due to the lack of such tecnologies that optimize the use and management of computing resourcesmanagement of computing resources and data that are geographically and data that are geographically distributeddistributed..

► The solution we have given is addressed to software developers and The solution we have given is addressed to software developers and developers of applications related to the IMS-LD Engine to make possible developers of applications related to the IMS-LD Engine to make possible the access to both data and computational gridsthe access to both data and computational grids,,modifying the modifying the interpreters of IMS-LD documents, which give access tointerpreters of IMS-LD documents, which give access to the grids and the the grids and the Grid Runtime Layer that we have added to the definition of Grid Enabled Grid Runtime Layer that we have added to the definition of Grid Enabled Learning Object (GLOB) so as to know the status and results of the grid Learning Object (GLOB) so as to know the status and results of the grid and use them in the learning process.and use them in the learning process.

►

Our proposal connects both technologies without modifying the IMS-LD Our proposal connects both technologies without modifying the IMS-LD specifications. Nevertheless, we consider that it is necessary to look for specifications. Nevertheless, we consider that it is necessary to look for alternatives that enable to incorporate the grids as special services within alternatives that enable to incorporate the grids as special services within the specifications, as they can be considered a type of role that the the specifications, as they can be considered a type of role that the professor can define in his design strategy.professor can define in his design strategy.


NEXT STEPSNEXT STEPS

►Aply the IMS-LD to the CMS4OCW Aply the IMS-LD to the CMS4OCW software to provide a user-friendly and software to provide a user-friendly and wide-range tool to teachers to build wide-range tool to teachers to build their proposals.their proposals.

►(CMS4OCW is a Content Management (CMS4OCW is a Content Management Sistem For Open Course Ware. At the Sistem For Open Course Ware. At the moment, as a subproduct, it provides moment, as a subproduct, it provides IMS-SCORM learning objetcs.)IMS-SCORM learning objetcs.)

►Describing usual High Education Describing usual High Education learning tools as a IMS-LD servicelearning tools as a IMS-LD service

Valkenburg, September, 2005 Learning Units Design based in Grid Computing L. Iriarte, M. Marco, A....

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